Running Shoes

My old running shoes are getting worn out, and with Christmas right around the corner I was thinking of asking *santa* for some new running shoes.  Any suggestions?

there is no "best shoe" - only the best shoe for you.  find a good running store, talk to someone about what you need and want, show them your old shoes, and pick out your own christmas present (you can still get someone else to pay).

just trying to narrow down my options and start looking around online...just wanted some tips!

okay - what kind of running do you do?  road, track, or trail?

do you need stability shoes?

if you're running outdoors, do you want waterproof shoes?

are your feet wide?  narrow?  normal?  flat or high-arched?  do you have any problems with your feet, ankles, knees, hips, back?

you can read reviews in running magazines online.  all of the top brands make good shoes (and not-so-good shoes).  i wouldn't recommend shopping online unless you're buying identical shoes to ones you've already owned and loved.

I just started running, and when I went to get shoes they recommended Nike Shox. I love these shoes, I have prescription orthodics so with those and the shox, I feel like I am walking on air.

I own a pair of Nike Shox too.  That's the only shoe I wear for activities like that. That's what I'd recommend.  I have recently begun running (per my month of November resolution) and my Shox are continuing to hold up, and there like 3.5 years old. I love them. If and when I do get a new pair of running shoes, they will be Shox.

Pgeorgian is absolutely correct. Running shoes vary so extremely in terms of what they are meant to do you must consult with a running store owner or running coach to determine the best specific shoe for you. Generally if you're going to be doing your running on trails you will need a shoe with greater support than if you are running on roads. If your pronation is severe either way you'll need a shoe to adjust for that as well. 

Luckily most running shops by now offer free consultation on all of these issues and the better ones will actually use video analysis of your stride and planting to identify the best possible shoe for you. In terms of brands to look at, I cannot stress enough the necessity to avoid the big names. By this I mean Nike and Adidas. 

These companies sell a logo instead of a shoe. The one time I foolish purchased a pair of Adidas, I suffered a season ending stress fracture. There's a reason why novice runners purchase these types of shoes and seasoned runners do not. Personally I would recommend Mizunos (my shoes for the last 6 years) but Mizunos, Brooks, or Asics will all give you a significantly higher quality shoe.

It should be noted once again however, that the most important issue in buying running shoes is which pair will work best for your unique foot type. Check in with your local running shop, identify the best pair for you, then subtly inform "Santa" on the specific shoes you need.

Eric

Okay will do!  Maybe I will check with a running store and then come back on here and see if anyone has tried what they recommend for me....I just dont want to break the bank!  thanks for the input

The only running shoe brand that has worked consistently for my running work is Asics.  I have a narrow heel and a wide front.  Nike, New Balance and Adidas were not good for me.  Try on lots and lots. Because getting the wrong shoe can really derail your good intentions, not to mention mess up your stride.  Good Luck.

Try the buyers guide at Runnersworld.com

Asics are good

Yes! Get any nike plus shoe! it has totally changed my life

Before I used to run and didn't know how far I was going, how fast I was going etc.

The shoe links to a wristband. It can be costly but it is so worth it! You plug the wristband into your computer so you can "see how you run" as well

I went from gymnast to half marathon runner in 7 months by using these shoes and this awesome tool : )

Hope this helps!

I like Nike Shox for how stylish they look but they are some of the heaviest shoes bc of the Shox on the heel. I started with Nike's 5 yrs ago when i started running and have like them more than Adidas and New Balance...that could just me be though.

I have been told by my running store to stay away from Nike Shox if you are doing long distance running.  They told me that Shox is ok with "gym" type workouts (elliptical, bike, weights, etc) But it's important to find the right shoe for you.  Go to a running store that knows what they are talking about and they should find the right one for you. 

But besides that I love my asics.  They help my feet stay aligned and are light, nice and keep me going.  (My feet has the tendency to point outward while running)

I love my ASICs. Yes, they can be near $90.00 per pair but honestly they are the best on the market and well worth the price. As the veteren of stress fractures adn other injuries - spend the money now.

Get fitted at a store.

i went to a running store, they had me take off my shoes, roll up my pants and watched my walk and jog from several angles. then they selected a few pairs of shoes and had me going outside and jog up and down the street in them.

(that was real fun in a suit on lunch break from work on a busy street)

anyway, the shoes i ended up with are ones i never would have picked because to be honest, i think their kinda ugly. but they make me feel like i can run forever in them and were WELL worth the $90 bucks i spent.

I LOVE my Newton running shoes!! this are expensive shoes (US$175) and not for every runner they promote forefoot running.

I got a pair of nikes when I started running after the checked my running style on a treadmill & I had no problems. When I changed I decided to go and buy some asics after talking to people & they were raving about them. I wish I hadn't I had problems with my feet, knees & in the end my hamstring. I wnet back to the running shop where I bought my niked and they had me on the treadmill again. I tried on nikes, mizuno & asics, the asics were just ALL wrong, the mizuno & nikes (pegasus) felt exactly the same, so I went with the nikes. As many of the poster have said, everyone is different & what suits one person definitley doesn't mean it is the right one for you. As a shoe I bet Asics are fab, just not for me.

I am also a skinflint, I spent £45 on last years colours & I thought that was more than enough!

Original Post by jules817:

i went to a running store, they had me take off my shoes, roll up my pants and watched my walk and jog from several angles. then they selected a few pairs of shoes and had me going outside and jog up and down the street in them.

(that was real fun in a suit on lunch break from work on a busy street)

anyway, the shoes i ended up with are ones i never would have picked because to be honest, i think their kinda ugly. but they make me feel like i can run forever in them and were WELL worth the $90 bucks i spent.

ugly shoes are great; you don't mind so much when they get muddy ;)

[really i just wanted to quote jules, because this is how we all should be choosing our shoes.  maybe without the suit.]

just wanted to add that i'm currently rotating between three different shoes, all different brands.  they each have a purpose, and they perform their purposes very well.  even within individual brands and lines, there are radical differences in fit and function.

http://www.asicsamerica.com/products/product. aspx?PRODUCT_ID=240009397&TITLE_CATEGORY_ ID=250001549

my new-ish shoes. i love them <3

I never thought to ask, but what do you think of the brand your wearing now? Do you like them enough to stick with the brand/style?